8/4/2009 2 ADHD defined y “…persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity— impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than…in other children of the same age. .” y Hyperactivity ‐‐ a physical state in which a person is abnormally and easily excitable 4 Factors associated with ADHD y Genetic y Environmental y Social setting 5 How common is ADHD? y Compared to other disorders y In U.S. y What we know worldwide y The problem of “over ‐ diagnosis” 6